But selling your old cell phone, tablet or lap-top can put you at risk.

“It happens all the time people store their information and don’t properly remove their data,” SuperGeeks Chief Operating Officer Dylan Nonaka said.

Nonaka says many consumers don’t know how important it is to erase data off your hard drive before selling your electronics.

“You should treat your personal data on your computer as just as you treat your bank information because it’s very private but it’s very important that you don’t get that into the wrong hands,” Nonaka said.

He says there are operating systems on your device that can wipe your hard drive clean.

“The simple erase through the operating system is pretty easy to do but if you want a secondary software there is third-party software that will wipe it 32 times and make sure it’s really clean,” Nonaka said.

For your mobile device there is a factory reset you can do that takes you through a step by step process.

If it’s too difficult to do it yourself, you can take it to a professional.

But expect to pay about $150.

If you’re buying a used device, experts say take it to a professional first to ensure it works properly.

“Definitely if you’re buying second-hand electronics before especially from a non-certified vendor you definitely want to bring it in and the seller should have no problem with you getting it examined before you pay for it,” Nonaka said.

If you have a consumer concern email actionline@khon2.com or call #591-0222 weekdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.